Gibson EB3 bass

I'm the original owner of this bass ser# 096777, cherry mahogany, purchased I believe in 1967. Have played for over 40 years. Had installed Dimarzio pickup instead of original humbucker, drilled hole in pickguard for switch, now had guitar restorer replace original pickup and plug hole in pickguard, polish frets but otherwise leave alone. Plays well. Numerous small nicks.

How do you assign a condition to such an instrument. Have attached photos to get your opinion.
Many thanks.
John Hawkins

ANSWER

Hi, John--

The serial number indicates that your guitar was made at the Kalamazoo Plant, USA in 1967.

Here is the Blue Book general info:

EB-3
- SG-style double sharp cutaway mahogany body, mahogany neck, 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, black headstock overlay with pearl crown and logo inlay, two-per-side Kluson tuners, bar bridge, laminated black pickguard with finger rest, metal hand rest, one black plastic covered (1961-62) or metal covered (1962-1979) full-size humbucker (neck) and one metal covered small humbucker (bridge) pickups, four knobs (two v, two tone), four-way rotary pickup switch, string mute, nickel hardware, available in Cherry (most common), Ebony (rare, only 10 mfg. 1973), Natural (rare), Walnut (common), or White (rare, approx. 70 mfg. 1976-79) finish, 30.5 in. scale, mfg. 1961-1979.

The pricing info:

1965-1969
Mint $3,000
Exc.+ $2,400
Exc. $1,950
Avg.+ $1,600
Avg. $1,300
General $1,000

The Blue Book values are based on original equipment. The alterations will lower the value.
The replacement of the original pickup will help.
The repaired hole in the pickguard is quite visible and will definitely lessen the value. It might have been better to find and install another original equipment pickguard.

I would place the condition as low excellent-high average.

Lynne

Save Up to 95% in the Price Cuts Section of the MusiciansFriend.com Outlet Store